According to Twitch, Paramount Pictures is pursuing the singer-turned-actor to play the lead in the lifeguard film.

The Baywatch movie is currently in development, with Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman serving as producer alongside Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson.

The film’s writers have previously confirmed that there will be parts for original Baywatch stars David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson should they wish to reprise their roles from the TV series.

Baywatch, a TV drama about Los Angeles lifeguards, ran for 242 episodes from 1989 to 2001. The show became known for its slow motion shots of the cast – which also included Carmen Electra and Yasmine Bleeth – running across the beach in eye-catching orange swimwear.

A movie version has been mooted since 2004. At one point, it was rumoured that Jessica Simpson was being approached to star. Timberlake, 31, will next be seen alongside Clint Eastwood and Amy Adams in baseball drama Trouble with the Curve. The film is scheduled for release in the US on September 27.